Porta del Chianti, as the name implies, is a stylish and inviting doorway into the fabled Chianti region amid old-world charm, modern comforts and unforgettable views. Majestically situated on a lush outcrop, the estate dates back to 1602 and has been refashioned into vacation apartments with a winery and olive oil mill next door. The grounds encompass 250 acres laden with walking paths among the vines and over 5000 olive trees yielding the highest quality oil. All of this beauty is enhanced by Porta del Chianti's highly desirable location. It lies in sight of San Gimignano's ancient towers and is midway between Florence and Siena with many medieval hill towns in close proximity.

In four cottages, 10 fully restored apartments showcasing ancient wood beams and terracotta floors contain atttractive furnishings, window screens, air conditioning, built-in hair dryers and WiFi access. Three units have two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The remaining units have one bedroom with Trebbiano being the largest one. Please let us know if your group requires minimal steps or access for a wheelchair.

Outdoor dining areas are along the garden perimeter. Both inside and out, the entire estate is meticulously maintained in like-new condition and is environmentally friendly. Solar panels supply more than half of the energy consumed. For guests, this translates into the added benefit of all utilities being included in the rental price. This expertly managed property anticipates and meets the needs of guests and is a perfect introduction to Italy's seductive charms for any first time traveler. On the other hand, those with more experience will instantly recognize the great value offered by Porta del Chianti and its ideal location for limitless day trips in Tuscany.

All guests are welcomed with a wine and olive oil tour and tasting. Nine different types of wine including Chianti Classico as well as grappa, Vin Santo and olive oil are produced on-site and are available for purchase. Shipping is possible to those states that allow it.

Among the many positive attributes of Porta del Chianti, one of the most notable is the courteous and attentive English speaking staff. At the reception office, open weekdays, guests may sign up for private use of the community billiard room, a barbecue pit, six mountain bikes and fishing rods for the estate's small tranquil lake. If ordered at the time of booking, they can easily arrange for a continental buffet breakfast, dinners and cooking classes in the estate's dining hall, opened upon request with advance notice. Set behind the winery, a large, gradually deepening pool with a cabana housing baths and changing rooms welcomes the first bathers on May 1st of each year.

Within a five minute drive is the tiny village of Marcialla with a caffè bar, a bank, a bakery, a restaurant and the medieval church of Santa Maria with numerous works of art including a self portrait by Michelangelo Buonarotti. A ten minute drive leading to the Florence-Siena toll-free highway passes the town of Tavarnelle Val di Pesa with a couple of restaurants and a supermarket, open on most Sundays. The charming hill towns of Barberino Val d'Elsa or San Donato in Poggio each with a couple of restaurants are a mere eight minutes away by car. San Casciano Val di Pesa is a 20 minute drive and has a Monday morning outdoor market and frequent bus service to Florence. The driving time to Colle Val d'Elsa is 20 minutes; San Gimignano, Castellina in Chianti, Greve in Chianti or Monteriggioni: 30; Florence: 40; Siena: 45; Arezzo or Volterra: 60; Lucca or Pisa: 70; the Tuscan coast: 90; Cortona or Montepulciano: 100; Cinque Terre, Milan or Rome: three hours.

A tourist tax collected by the town is paid separately on the first seven nights. Children under age 14 are exempt.